Birthday, Anniversary, and Eclipse

Happy birthday to my dad, happy work anniversary to me (I started my job this very day five years ago), and of course, happy Solar Eclipse!

The 12 Days of Christmas of 2023 - Day 3

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

 

In this particular case, the three French hens represent faith, hope, and love.

 

My fantasy version:

 

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: three phoenixes,
Two forest fauns,
And a unicorn as white as the snow!

 

The phoenix is also a symbol of hope, rising up magnificently from the ashes of loss and devastation.

 

Happy Birthday (and Anniversary)

When I get older, losing my hair,
Many years from now,
Will you still be sending me a valentine?
Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?

If I'd been out till quarter to three,
Would you lock the door?
Will you still need me,
Will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four? 

You'll be older too
And if you say the word
I could stay with you

I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride 

Doing the garden, digging the weeds
Who could ask for more?
Will you still need me,
Will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four? 

Every summer we can rent a cottage
In the Isle of Wight
If it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck and Dave 

Send me a postcard, drop me a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away 

Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine forevermore
Will you still need me,
Will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four?

Happy 64th birthday in heaven, Dad. Love and miss you as much as ever.

On the side, happy anniversary to yours truly. My job at Kneaders Bakery & Cafe began three years ago on this very day. It may not be my dream job, but it's my financial cushion and definitely the best job I've had so far.